A Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) about stress and weight gain found that the stresses women experience in middle age causes them to gain weight. Their study followed more than 2,000 women in their 40s. After four years, they found that “women who faced lots of stress weighed significantly more than the less stressed.” The researchers go on to say that “the link between personal trouble and weight gain held for all middle aged women regardless of race, income and education.”

In my own professional experience, I have found this to be true. I hear women talk about stress and weight gain all of the time, no matter what their background. So if you are a woman looking to lose weight and keep it off as you mature, research is strongly suggesting that you create a less stressful life. Psychologist Elissa Epel of the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine agrees about the impact of stress on weight gain. Dr. Epel says that, “Women can’t control many typical midlife stressors, such as ailing parents but building strong friendships and developing new goals and priorities often can help curb stress. Whatever relaxation techniques work for you and improve your mood are the ones to do at this time of life.” So the lesson here is this: Start working some relaxation and stress management strategies into your life today and life won’t weigh you down later.